Obituary of Gary Esping

ESPING Gary, Age 86, Passed away on July 3, 2024 from a long-term chronic lung disease. He is survived by Evelyn (Vorlicek), his beloved wife of 64 years.

Gary grew up on a farm in rural Cosmos, MN, attended a rural country school, and graduated from Litchfield High School in Litchfield, MN. Later in life, he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota and its Carlson School of Management’s evening program while working full-time. He was confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Cosmos, was a former member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Hutchinson, MN, and was a current member of The Grove United Methodist Church in Woodbury, MN. He was also a friend of the Gold Canyon United Methodist Church in Gold Canyon, AZ.

Gary served in the U.S. Army during the Cold War, stationed near the Iron Curtain border in Germany. He was a current member of American Legion Post #501 in Woodbury, MN. He was a 39-plus year employee of 3M Company, serving in a number of positions and divisions in Hutchinson and St. Paul, MN, retiring in 1998 to enjoy winters in Gold Canyon, AZ and summers in Woodbury, MN. He continued his lifelong passion for softball, playing competitively for over 70 years, and maintained his love for travel. Over his lifetime, he and Evelyn traveled to more than 60 countries across six continents.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Marion Esping; sister, Pamela Hoffman; and brothers-in-law, Dwayne Samson and James Lange. He is survived by his four children, Tracy (Pat) Schrantz, Don (Ann) Esping, Stephanie (Bruce) Johnson, and Jennifer (Mark) Veenendaal; and sisters, Janet Sampson Lange, Diane Wothe, and Debra (Mike) Eggert. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Eli (Jen) Schrantz, Claire Schrantz (Seamus), Tate Schrantz (Ellie), Dan Esping (Abbey), Sam (Gillian) Esping, Lily Esping, Rayna Veenendaal and Kaden Veenendaal.

Memorial services will be held at The Grove United Methodist Church in Woodbury, MN, on Wednesday, July 10, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 9:30 am. Interment will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson, MN, for family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Pillars in Oakdale, MN, would be appreciated.